Through Saturday, painters will spread out across rolling hills, farmland, sparkling streams, and historic sites within 30 miles of Malone to capture the landscape on canvas. More than a showcase of artistic skill, the festival honors the unique spirit of the region while raising essential support for Thrive’s year-round arts programming.
Throughout the festival, the public is encouraged to observe artists at work, take photos, and even chat with them about their process. The festival opened with three days of painting across the countryside, offering countless opportunities to watch plein air artists transform local scenery into works of art.
Today, DAC will host the Festival Preview Party from 6 to 8 p.m. This special event includes an exhibit preview, an artist meet-and-greet, and the announcement of this year’s award winners at 7:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy light refreshments with beer, wine, and small bites. Artists and sponsors attend free as a thank-you for their contributions, while tickets are available to the public both online and at the door.
The celebration continues on Saturday when downtown Malone will come alive with creativity. From 9 to 11 a.m., the Battle of the Brushes will take over the streets as artists compete to complete a painting in just two hours. Visitors can follow painters across downtown, then gather at the Downtown Artist Cellar at 11:15 a.m. for jurying, with awards announced at noon.
The festival carries on throughout the day with live performances, thanks to sponsorship support that brings music to venues across town as well as to DAC itself. Local favorite Jon O’Connell will play at DAC from 11:10 a.m. to noon, while additional performances will be staged at community landmarks including Arsenal Green Park, Café Nouveau, Bokie’s, and Prairie’s Orchard. These pop-up concerts will give festival-goers a chance to experience art and music woven into the fabric of the town.
At 12:15 p.m., a community drum circle at DAC invites people of all ages to join in—no experience necessary, and drums will be provided. From 1 to 3 p.m., the Plein Air Painting Station opens at DAC, where visitors of all ages can try their hand at painting outdoors with materials provided. Later in the afternoon, DAC will also host Poetry & Music, led by resident poet Jim Bourey with music by Jon O’Connell and readings from Franklin Academy High School students, who have been crafting poetry inspired by the festival’s plein air paintings throughout the week.
The Salmon River Valley Plein Air Festival is The Thrive Project’s signature fundraising event, blending art, poetry, and music into a one-of-a-kind community celebration. Proceeds support Thrive’s mission to expand access to the arts and creative opportunities throughout the North Country.
